📣 From the Touchline – Grassroots Football Update

As the 2024/25 season enters the final stretch, there’s been a flurry of updates in the world of grassroots football – from fresh FA rule changes to ongoing efforts to improve the matchday experience for players, coaches, referees, and parents alike.

🔁 Potential New Rule Changes Coming into Effect

🟥 Sin Bins Now Extended Across More Age Groups

Following a successful pilot, The FA is expanding the use of temporary dismissals (sin bins) for dissent across more youth leagues. This aims to reinforce respect for referees and improve behaviour across the game. Expect to see more 8-minute sin bins at U13 and above – even in some U12 divisions depending on the league.

👟 Rolling Subs Clarified

The FA has updated the rolling subs rule to avoid confusion during matches. It’s now clear that a substituted player can return during the same half, but all subs must take place from the halfway line with referee permission. Coaches are advised to brief their players regularly.

🗣️ Respect Barriers to Be Enforced More Strictly

More leagues are tightening up enforcement around spectator behaviour, with the Respect Barrier now mandatory for all youth games. Some leagues are testing a “silent sidelines” initiative to help young players build decision-making confidence without too much outside noise.

⚖️ Weighting & Age Flexibility

A new trial being explored allows for greater flexibility for players who are physically smaller or newer to the game, helping to level the playing field. This could mean more cases of players training down a year group (with strict safeguards) to build confidence before stepping up.

🌱 Supporting the Growth of Grassroots Football

The FA and local authorities are continuing to invest in facilities, especially 3G pitches, coaching courses, and safeguarding standards. Clubs like ours at CHARS Youth FC continue to benefit from these improvements, but we all have a role to play in making the game safer, fairer, and more enjoyable.

📢 Whether you're a player, coach, or parent – it's a team effort!

💡 What This Means for Our CHARS Youth Players

✅ Coaches will be staying updated on the latest rule tweaks

✅ Players will be reminded about respecting referees and teammates

✅ Parents can expect an even more positive and supportive matchday experience

✅ We’ll continue to put development first, with fun, focus, and fairness leading the way

💬 Got questions or thoughts on any of the changes? Speak to your team coach – we’re here to help make the game better for everyone.

COYC! 💙💛

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